More important, he's starting his 12th season with the Giants in improved health.

Giants general manager Bobby Evans said on MLB Network Radio this week that Bochy is noticeably stronger after undergoing two cardiac ablation surgeries last year -- in April and October -- to address atrial fibrillation.

"He looks better," Evans said in an interview that aired Tuesday on MLB Roundtrip. "I can tell just from his voice, his demeanor, spending some time with him in December. I can just see it."

Bochy, 62, also underwent a heart procedure in 2015, when he had two stents inserted after blocked blood vessels were discovered. Last year's arrhythmia coincided with a 64-98 season, the Giants' worst since moving to San Francisco.

"The fire has never gone out with him," Evans said. "Physically, the challenges of arrhythmia are now behind him. I think that's refreshing for him. I think that's refreshing for his family. It's relieving for all of us. I look forward to the year ahead with him feeling better.

"When the club struggles, none of us feel good. But on top of that, with the arrhythmia, [that] made it worse. Now, we can put that behind us."